Overview
- ADIF will begin renewing the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed line without changing its alignment, installing aerodynamic sleepers designed to curb ballast lift and enable higher speeds.
- The government targets a sub-two-hour Madrid–Barcelona journey and expects higher line capacity from faster train turnarounds.
- A new high-speed interchange station is planned in Parla to allow transfers between southern and northeastern routes without entering central Madrid, with operation aimed in about three years.
- The Transport Ministry has tendered €2.3 million in feasibility studies covering the speed increase and new access variants, including links toward Chamartín and La Sagrera and potential airport stations.
- The 350 km/h rollout will be phased across other corridors where components must be replaced, framed within an expected €60 billion four-year transport investment, as local authorities offer mixed responses.